24th August 2016 We have often heard the statement “Children are the hope of the future”, but do we really grasp the depth of this?
Tonga as we all know by now is in the midst of one of it’s most fierce battles – the battle against Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs). 99% of the adult Tongan population is at risk of NCDs[1], with 67.6 % of Tongan being obese[2]. Child obesity is a reality in Tonga, and one of the focal points of the Hala Fononga (National Strategy for Prevention and Control of NCDs 2015-2020).
As part of a 3 series special leading up to World Heart day, this week’s episode on Tonga Mo’ui lelei focuses on child obesity. The reality of it in Tonga, and the way forward. Joining Monica Tu’ipulotu of Tongahealth will be Dr. Vilaimi Puloka, Health Promotion Strategist, who is currently doing a very insightful study on the children of Tonga, and Lesieli Vanisi, nutritionist from the Ministry of Health. Both of these guests have had fist hand experiences with children of various age group over the years, and are very driven to see Tonga speed towards it’s National NCD Strategy goals.
We invite you to join us this Thursday in a conversation that attempts to go beyond the obvious and talk about the way forward…
The Hala Fononga, is supported and funded by the Government of Tonga and the Government of Australia, with TongaHealth as the appointed secretariat and co-ordinating body.
Thursday the 25th of August 2016
7:30pm On TV Tonga 1
TongaHealth’s website is: http://www.tongahealth.org.to
Tonga Mo’ui lelei! Mo’ui Lelei, Mo’ui Fiefia
[1] STEPS Report 204, page 48, table 51: “Percentage of NCD risk categories among both sexes by age group”
[2] STEPS Report 2014, page 55, table 70: “Obesity comparison for both sexes”